Neymar Jr CONFIRMED Another Brazilian Star boy wants to Reunite with Martinelli at Arsenal next Season – Player loves Arteta’s project and want to be part of the plan
Arsenal are “aspiring” to sign Brazilian forward Vitor Roque in the summer, with sporting director Edu Gaspar set to offer a ‘tailor-made’ package, as per Sport (via Sport Witness)
What’s the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Roque?
The 18-year-old is currently at Athletico Paranaense, however, it is reported that the youngster is set to leave in the summer.
The Gunners face substantial competition from Catalan giants Barcelona, with Chelsea keen too, but Edu’s links to Brazilian football may help push a deal over the line to see Roque in north London next season.
Arsenal should feel as though they are favourites, as Barcelona’s financial troubles may stop them from competing for his signature.
As per the report, the €14m-rated (£12m) forward’s father, along with his agent, have been in London.
The Brazil U20 international would follow in the footsteps of compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, who made the successful switch to the Emirates in 2019
A Brazilian link-up in the heart of north London
Mikel Arteta’s success on the pitch this season has been spearheaded by the transfers that he and Edu have made. The philosophy to sign younger players and build for the future may have begun to reap its rewards earlier than expected, but that is a testament to the transfer policy put in place.
Despite Arteta not being at the club when he signed, Martinelli, aged just 18 at the time, signed for the Gunners in 2019, and has slowly become one of the most important players under the Spaniard.
The former Ituano forward’s development, accompanied by the four-time Premier League winner Gabriel Jesus, whom Arteta also worked with at Manchester City, has shown that Arsenal’s manager has a track history of working well with Brazilian players.
Arteta has also worked with both Gabriel Magalhaes and Jorginho, too. While the latter represents Italy, the former Chelsea midfielder was born in Brazil.
The Brazilian influence in Arsenal’s team and Edu’s position in the hierarchy should excite the youngster, who Ronaldo Nazario (R9) said would “fly so high”.
Roque would be following in the footsteps of Martinelli and Marquinhos, who is on loan at Norwich City, to join the Gunners. The Brazilian prevalence in the league-leading squad would make him feel at home and he would be an exciting transfer for the north London side to make. Despite interest from Barcelona and Chelsea, Arsenal will feel that they are favourites to land the 18-year-old’s signature.
